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Marwell's Siamang gibbons receive a royal visitor

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal gave Marwell Zoological Park's new exhibit 'Life in the Trees' the royal seal of approval when she formally opened it today (Monday 17 September).

Home to Marwell's family of Siamang Gibbons, 'Life in the Trees' is designed to represent the gibbons' natural habitat. The family now have a large area to explore, trees and lianas (wooded vines) to swing from, as well as a specially created clearing to generally chill out and relax in.

The Princess received a guided tour of the new home and met Marwell staff which have been key to the exhibits development. After watching the gibbons investigating their new lush and green environment - which includes a 40ft tree to hundreds of native Asian plants, including ferns, grasses and bamboos - the Princess unveiled a plaque to the exhibit's entrance.

James Cretney, Marwell Zoological Park Chief Executive commented: "At Marwell Zoological Park we are committed to providing habitats for our animals which reflect the area of the world in which they are found. Therefore the opening of Life in the Trees, with its South East Asian living environment, is particularly pleasing. Having The Princess Royal here today makes this opening extra special for everyone at Marwell - including our committed volunteers who have worked tirelessly to generate funds towards the cost of the exhibit."

The Siamang Gibbon family consists of Mum (Simone), Dad (Luang) and their sons, Hale Bop, 10, and Rosh, 5. The family share 'Life in the Trees' with several other species which are naturally found together in Asia including: the endangered Lowland Anoa (the world's smallest wild cattle), the beautiful Prevost's squirrel, the curious looking Tree shrew and Asian small clawed otters.

'Life in the Trees' is the fourth exhibit which Her Royal Highness has officially opened at Marwell Zoological Park. On the previous occasions the Princess opened Penguin World, Into Africa and World of Lemurs.

Visitors to the Park, Marwell volunteers, and members of the public donated £417,000 towards the cost of the new home. The money was raised through a variety of fundraising events as well as a 10% donation on admission prices.

A third of the world's primate species now face extinction. The Siamangs, like all apes, are threatened in the wild due to the deforestation of their natural habitat. Humans have also devastated the world's population by killing adult gibbons and selling the young into the illegal pet trade or for use by photographers as 'beach props'.

In celebration of the opening of 'Life in the Trees' Marwell is offering an exclusive adoption package. Support an individual gibbon for just £50 or for £250 adopt the whole family. Packages include: a certificate, entry ticket to the Park, adopters name displayed on an adopters board, and family adoptions also include an opportunity to meet a keeper. For more information call Marwell on 01962 777988 or email: adoptions@marwell.org.uk